Alternative Profits Blog
CCS - Carbon Capture and Sequestration Updates and Trends
A lot has been happening on the CCS front lately. While it is a business opportunity only for a select few businesses, the future could offer opportunities for a whole range of businesses should the CCS efforts succeed in the next couple of years. Presented below are some key updates on the CCS front.Alstom and Dow Dedicate New Pilot Plant to Capture CO2 - This project uses proprietary advanced-amine technology jointly developed by Alstom and Dow to capture approximately 1,800 metric tons of CO2 per year - http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS162103+10-Sep-2009+PRN20090910
J-Power says carbon capture project on schedule - Japan's biggest coal user, J-Power, is part of a Japanese coalition working with Australia to market the world's first fully-integrated carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, to help battle carbon dioxide emissions. The $200 million Callide A OxyFuel project in Queensland, Australia, is on schedule to start up a 30-megawatt coal-fired power plant in July-September 2011 - http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5870Z120090908
First CO2 pipeline standard emerges - The first standard to cover the piping of carbon dioxide for underground storage has been released under an industry initiative. The move comes as the shipping industry also examines a potential role in CO2 transportation. http://www.carbonpositive.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=1667
Carbon dioxide storage 101 - Scientists and engineers will soon be able to receive advanced training and certification in burying and permanently storing underground the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as part of a recent stimulus award from the Department of Energy. http://www.physorg.com/wire-news/14050840/carbon-dioxide-storage-101.html
Storing carbon dioxide could be Britain’s new oil industry - Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) in Rotterdam is technically viable and several projects are on track for operation in 2015, a study showed on Thursday. The study, initiated by the Rotterdam Climate Initiative (RCI) and based on assessments by independent experts, found that the total costs of the varying projects ranged from 40 euros ($57.14) to 70 euros per tonne of CO2. http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSL361527620090903
NRG Energy applies for CCS project at 3,653 MW power plant - NRG Energy ( http://www.nrgenergy.com/ ) submitted a Clean Coal Power Initiative application to the U.S. Department of Energy to build a post-combustion carbon capture demonstration unit at the company's 3,653 MW WA Parish coal- and gas-fired power plant. NRG's carbon capture project at the Texas plant is expected to begin operating in 2013. It will use Fluor Corp's Econamine FG Plussm technology to process flue gas from the plant equal in quantity to that of a 60 MW unit. It will be designed to capture 90 percent of incoming carbon dioxide (CO2). Once captured, the CO2 will be compressed using Ramgen/Dresser-Rand technology and used in enhanced oilfield recovery operations, bringing in revenue to offset a portion of the cost of the project. http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/368568/6/ARTCL/none/none/1/NRG-applies-for-CCS-project-at-3,653-MW-power-plant/
posted by Ecacofonix at
10:19 PM
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Global Alternative Energy Indexes
1. Credit Suisse Global Alternative Energy Index(Zurich, Switzerland , www.credit-suisse.com)2. DAXglobal Alternative Energy Index(Frankfurt, Germany - www.boerse-frankfurt.de)
3. S&P Global Clean Energy Index(new york,USA,www2.standardandpoors.com)
4. WilderhillNewEnergyInnovationIndex(SanJose,California,USAwww.nexindex.com)
5. FTSE Environmental Opportunities All-Share Index (London,UK, www.ftse.com)
6. Ardour Global Index(EMEA)SM(hovik,norway,(www.ardour.snetglobalindexes.com)
7. ISE-CCM Alternative Energy Index(new york,USA-www.iseoptions.com)
8. Ludlow Energy Index(Deventer,netherlands- www.ludlowenergy.com)
9. NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid Series Index(new York,USA-www.cleanedge.com)
10. WilderHill Clean Energy Index(Washington,DC,USA- www.nexindex.com)
11. ALTEX(Brisbane,Australia)( www.bakersgroup.com.au)
12. TecDAX Index medium-sized companies in the technology sector
13. CDAX-(colombo, www.cdax.lk)
14. HDAX-(germany, www.indexrecord.com)
15. GEX –(germany, www.boerse-frankfurt.de)
16. Prime All Share-(deutsche,www.deutsche-boerse.com)
17. Dow Jones Stoxx 600 (www.stoxx.com,zurich)
18. KLD Global Climate 100SM(bonn,germany, www.kld.com)
19. Erix (European Renewable Energy Index)
20. Natur-Aktien-Index(,www.nai-index.de)
21. Photovoltaik Aktien Index(bonn,germany, )
posted by Ecacofonix at
2:48 AM
1 Comments
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Venture Capital, Investment Companies in Wave Energy
Some prominent companies that have invested in wind energy companiesAdvent Ventures
Venrock
Wellington Partners and Northzone Ventures
Hydro Technology Ventures
The Carbon Trust
3i
Sigma Technology Group
Sustainable Performance Group
Tudor Group
Vantania Holdings Limited
Commons Capital
Espírito Santo Ventures
New Energy Fund
Emerald Technology Ventures
posted by Ecacofonix at
2:06 AM
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Venture Capital, Investing Companies in Goethermal Energy
Some prominent companies that have invested in geothermal energy companiesGE Energy Financial Services
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway
Goldman Sachs
Morgan Stanley
Chevron
Reykjavik Energy Invest
posted by Ecacofonix at
2:05 AM
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Venture Capital, Investment Companies in Biofuels
Some prominent VC firms investing in BiofuelsBurrill & Company - http://venture.burrillandco.com/
Khosla Ventures - http://www.khoslaventures.com
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers - http://www.kpcb.com/
CMEA Ventures - http://www.cmea.com
ARCH Venture Partners - http://www.archventure.com/
Oak Investment Partners - http://www.oakinv.com
Noventi Venture Partners - http://www.noventivc.com/
Gabriel Venture Partners - http://www.gabrielvp.com/
posted by Ecacofonix at
2:04 AM
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Venture Capital, Investment Companies in Wind Energy
• Advanced Equities Inc.• BDC Venture Capital
• Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital
• CMEA Ventures
• Draper Fisher Jurvetson
• Israel Cleantech Ventures
• Khosla Ventures
• Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
• Masdar Clean Tech Fund
• New Enterprise Associates
• Oceanshore Ventures
• Redpoint Ventures
• RockPort Capital Partners
• Scatec Adventure AS
• Virgin Green Fund
• Vulcan Capital
• Wexford Capital LLC
posted by Ecacofonix at
2:03 AM
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Venture Capital, Investment Companies in Solar Energy
• Advanced Equities Inc.• Battery Ventures
• BDC Venture Capital
• Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital
• CMEA Ventures
• Convexa
• Draper Fisher Jurvetson
• EQUUS Total Return Inc.
• Evergreen Venture Partners
• GLG Partners
• HIG Ventures
• Idealab
• Intel Capital
• Israel Cleantech Ventures
• Khosla Ventures
• Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
• Masdar Clean Tech Fund
• New Enterprise Associates
• Oceanshore Ventures
• Pangaea Ventures
• Pitango Venture Capital
• Power Play Energy LLC.
• Quercus Trust
• Redpoint Ventures
• RockPort Capital Partners
• Scatec Adventure AS
• Virgin Green Fund
• Vulcan Capital
• Wexford Capital LLC
posted by Ecacofonix at
1:56 AM
2 Comments
Venture Capital, VC Perspectives on Alternative, Renewable Energy
What are the perspectives of venture capital companies that are investing in the alternative energy domain? What are the key parameters used by them for evaluating their investments? What are the key success factors in their opinion? This section provides inputs on these aspects.• Kind of deals VCs are looking to do - "If I was an entrepreneur, I'd jump all over the advanced fuel industry," says Raj Atluru, a Managing Director at the venture capital firm DFJ. He says techniques of cellulosic ethanol production, which uses disposable materials rather than just corn, are being perfected in university labs. Adds Atluru, "Advanced fuels are where solar was three or four years ago." He sees huge growth potential and IPOs in the offing.
• Types of VCs investing in Cleanetch - Aside from the large venture firms like DFJ and MDV, there is a group of smaller, more focused funds that are more likely to fund smaller or earlier-stage projects. The group includes firms such as Nth Power, Enertech Capital, and Chrysalix Energy Management. Nth Power, founded in 1993, for instance focuses on energy and advanced materials and manages more than $250 million and an active portfolio of more than a dozen companies. Although Nth Power's main emphasis is energy production, its portfolio extends to other technologies and advanced materials.
• Types of companies VCs are investing in - Although many VCs have specific sector focus even within renewable energy, their portfolio could extend to related technologies. "We've funded companies in everything from sensor and sensor networks to batteries to advanced metering solutions," says Rodrigo Prudencio, one of the principals of the firm Nth Power.
• Looking for solutions to pain points – According to most VCs, it's critical for entrepreneurs interested in green energy technologies to ask: "Where are the pain points in the energy value chain as they affect oil, gas, and power companies, or how they affect consumers, and how can technology develop a business around that opportunity?"
• Not all opportunities are created equal - But before pounding the pavement for funding, VCs caution entrepreneurs that not all opportunities are created equal, and thus, they don't all require large-scale venture funding. For instance, if you are in a business where accessing $5 million or $10 million will give you access to a $3 billion market, then pursuing venture capital makes sense. If you are pursuing a $200 million market, it may make sense to bootstrap yourself before you go to a VC.
• Angel funding and small VCs - Venture capital is far from the only type of funding available to green startups. Angel investors who support small social ventures are a good source for early-stage green companies. Investor's Circle, a 160-member group made up of socially minded investors, is one such example. Since 1992, Circle members have invested more than $107 million in 171 deals, ranging from renewable energy and organic food to health care, education, and media, says Woody Tasch, the CEO and chairman of the organization. Members team up to gather injections that range from $250,000 to $500,000 for projects that might be considered too early-stage or too small for traditional VC backing.
• High potential in other sectors - Carol Sands is a founder and one of the managing directors of Angels' Forum, a private group of 25 investors who invest in small corporate and family venture funds that in turn invest in green technologies. Sands points to four common segments that make up the bulk of green investing possibilities—energy, transportation, water, and other green sectors. Of the four, Sands says the other sectors, which include energy management, new sensor technology, agriculture, and chemicals, may be the most ignored and thus ripest for entrepreneurial innovation. "It's going to be relatively easy to develop these technologies and isn't going to take a long time to adapt them—it offers a reasonable time frame with a reasonable rate of return," says Sands.
• Need for interaction between entrepreneurs and researchers – Many VCs feel that there needs to be more communication between the entrepreneurial types and researchers, since there's a glut of great ideas just waiting to be discovered, and these ideas will require a research mindset and experimentations before they can be brought into the real-world.
posted by Ecacofonix at
1:53 AM
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Prominent Renewable, Alternative Energy Venture Capital Companies
• Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers• Foundation Capital
• SunRun
• Quercus Trust
• Hydro Green Energy
• Khosla Ventures
• Draper Fisher Jurvetson
• Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
• Battery Ventures
• Idealabs
• Google Ventures
• Intel Capital
• Virgin Green Fund
• Pangaea Ventures
• Quercus Trust
posted by Ecacofonix at
1:51 AM
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Geologist - Geothermal, Renewable Energy Careers
RoleGeologist for environmental services:
Scope of services:
• Remedial Investigations/Site Assessments
• Corrective Measures Studies/Feasibility Studies
• Due Diligence.
• Database integration and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Hydrogeology and groundwater modeling
• Remediation system design
• Construction project management and field oversight.
• Operation and maintenance of remediation systems
• Sampling and monitoring
• Health and Safety (HAS) consulting
Technical direction to a project team of geoscience/geotechnical personnel which may include geologists, geophysicists, geotechnical engineers, hydrogeologists, soils engineers, and civil engineers on a large geological project or task, or on several smaller projects or studies. Responsible for the technical excellence of the geological tasks and analyses performed, and for on-schedule completion within or below budget in accordance with contractual obligations. Reviews project documents for technical accuracy and conducts in-field reviews of project quality to ensure adherence to project plan. Willingness to travel and/or relocate to field sites is expected.
Typical Requirements
Qualifications
Degree in Geology or related field.
Proficiency in various computer software applications typically used in geological analyses.
posted by Ecacofonix at
1:49 AM
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Tower Specialist - Wind, Renewable Energy Careers
Role• Perform structural design of large welded and bolted structures (typically steel), to accommodate extreme, buckling, and fatigue loads
• Generate written product specifications, work instructions, and procedures. . Disposition hardware non-conformances and support root cause analyses
• Develop innovative new concepts for structures and mechanisms, and refine existing ones, to support wind turbine machine components with high reliability and at low cost
• Perform and lead generation and formal release of CAD models, detail fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials
• Address corrosion of nearshore and offshore structures
• Define new-product test requirements, support qual tests, and follow through to manufacturing cut-in
• Create project reports and perform design reviews and presentations.
Typical Requirements
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with structural design experience.
• Strong capability and experience with structural analysis methods, preferably including standard closed-form methods, finite element analysis NASTRAN, MathCAD, or equivalent.
• Fatigue and fracture mechanics experience is desirable.
• Proficiency with CAD software, Pro-Engineer Wildfire 3.0
• Familiarity with standard welding symbols and standards
• Knowledge of the metric system, metric hardware and metric fit tolerances
• Familiar with standard metal coatings and corrosion mitigation measures.
posted by Ecacofonix at
7:38 PM
0 Comments
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Solar Installation Supervisor - Renewable Energy Careers
RoleTo oversee all aspects of PV installations on homes.
Job Duties
• Responsible for all technical and safety aspects of PV installations
• Conduct site visits to screen potential sites for solar access and safety issues
• Design and engineer small, residential solar electric systems
• Put together permit packages, utility interconnection agreements, and assist with rebate paperwork
• Train volunteers in solar electric installation
• Lead installations of solar electric systems with crews of volunteers and/or job trainees
• Ensure that all solar installations are installed according to safety and quality standards
Typical Requirements
• Experience in PV system installation, design, and troubleshooting
• Experience leading a crew in PV installation
posted by Ecacofonix at
7:37 PM
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Photovoltaic Device Scientist - Solar, Renewable Energy Careers
RoleResponsible for supporting the team with all aspects of device characterization. The scientist defines test structures, sets up and conducts the characterization and testing of photovoltaic devices related to Electronic Materials products. He/she interfaces closely with the formulation scientists to help establish structure-properties relationships between ink formulation, processing conditions and solar cell performance. As part of his/her role, the device scientist will develop processing guidelines for a company’s products and help optimize the value proposition through experimentation and computer simulation. He/she will interact with customers to organize trials and testing, review product performance, and discuss processing guidelines, test structures and methodologies. As part of this role, the device scientist will also investigate next generation cell structures and help the company identify future opportunities associated with these structures.
Responsibilities
• Leads the characterization efforts of electronic material devices especially solar cells.
• Leverages expertise in solar cell and device construction to help create product technology roadmaps for existing and future device architectures.
• Develops test methods, structures/patterns and leads device testing using internal or external capabilities.
• Perform statistical measurement system analysis and help reduce variability by developing new SOPs.
• Work closely with the formulation scientists in order to help test and improve product performance.
• Organize benchmarking of competitive materials and coordinate device printing and testing using customer substrates and/or test patterns.
• Selects and organizes installation of new equipment related to device construction and/or testing.
• Participate in the formulation development efforts for new materials, formulations and processes through experimentation and/or computer simulation work.
• Publishes reports and/or presentations at regular intervals on assigned work projects.
• Researches and analyzes open literature and patents related to the products or processes related to the assigned projects, and identify patent opportunities.
Typical Requirements
Competencies / Knowledge & Skills
• Experience with inorganic solar cell development
• Knowledge of Solar cell and Circuit simulation software such as PC1D and/or DESSIS.
• Project Management
• Understanding of IP processes
• Skilled in public and patent literature searching
Education and Experience
• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science/Engineering. Electrical Engineering training or a formal degree is desirable.
• R&D experience in photovoltaic devices (c-Si and/or thin film PV such as CIGS and CdTe) including construction, characterization and testing.
• Additional experience with PCB design and testing, semiconductor and logic device structures and characterization.
posted by Ecacofonix at
7:36 PM
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Scientist, Strain Advancement - Biofuels, Renewable Energy Careers
Role• Lead the technical agenda for development of next generation microbes employing classical strain development techniques.
• Supervise a team of scientists.
• Develop and implement state-of-the-art classical strain improvement studies to establish protocols for and accomplish strain advancements.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate external resources for rapid development of improved strains.
• Write and submit publications, presentations, patent applications and grants as needed. Prepare study reports to support process filings.
• Partner with R&D to build and manage technical projects based on defined project plans.
Typical Requirements
Experience in creating and implementing a research to scale-up program leading to the development and commercialization of proprietary and tailored microbes with an emphasis on classical methodologies to be used for subsequent microbial conversions of raw materials into products. Demonstrated ability and desire to work as a hands-on member of the laboratory research team. Role includes identification and management of qualified external resources, development and protection of the concomitant intellectual property created as well as involvement and delivery to workplans associated with grant writing and funding. This individual will:
Requirements
• PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or directly related discipline with industrial technical experience.
• Experience in successfully managing people as well as technical projects in an industrial biofuels, biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience in team building and performance management in an industrial technical/business environment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, manage and incorporate the findings of qualified external technical resources in classical strain methodologies
• Successful accomplishments in both scientific and supervisory endeavors as evidenced by a history of proprietary intellectual property developed
• In-depth knowledge of anaerobic cell cultures, successful methods for classical strain development and external resources for such as proven by a history of success in creating, developing, testing and scaling microbiologically-intensive products from the lab to commercialization in the biofuels, brewery, insecticideerbicides, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.
posted by Ecacofonix at
7:34 PM
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Greenhouse Technician - Biofuels, Renewable Energy Careers
RoleInvolves working with embryos and seedlings from tissue culture under the guidance of a project scientist. Tasks involve lab processes, sterile technique, greenhouse seedling culture, and equipment use/maintenance. Candidates should have a strong interest in tree growth and development, be willing to work in a lab or outdoor environment.
Perform experiments and other assignments which are non-standard or prescribed in support of research projects related to forest seedling growth and development. Responsibilities include planning, executing, measuring, compiling, reporting, and otherwise supporting team goals as needed.
Typical Requirements
• Plant culture or nursery experience, or demonstrated aptitude.
• B.S. or equivalent plant biology, forestry, horticulture, or a related discipline is preferred.
posted by Ecacofonix at
7:33 PM
0 Comments
Bioplastics & Biopolymers - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionBioplastics are a form of plastics derived from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable oil, corn starch, pea starch or microbiota, rather than fossil fuel plastics which are derived from petroleum.
Market Need
Need for plastics that are more eco-friendly and sustainable
Trends
• Estimates put global consumption of bioplastics in 2006 at around 85,000 tonnes..
• COPA (Committee of Agricultural Organisation in the European Union) and COGEGA (General Committee for the Agricultural Cooperation in the European Union) have made an assessment of the potential of bioplastics in different sectors of the European economy (2001):
• Catering products: 450,000 tonnes per year
• Organic waste bags: 100,000 tonnes per year
• Biodegradable mulch foils: 130,000 tonnes per year
• Biodegradable foils for diapers: 80,000 tonnes per year
• Diapers, 100% biodegradable: 240,000 tonnes per year
• Foil packaging: 400,000 tonnes per year
• Vegetable packaging:400,000 tonnes per year
• Tyre components: 200,000 tonnes per year
• Total 2,000,000 tonnes per year
• The European bioplastics trade group predicted annual capacity would more than triple to 1.5 million tons by 2011
• BCC Research forecasts the global market for biodegradable polymers to grow at a compound average growth rate of more than 17 percent through 2012. Even so, bioplastics will encompass a small niche of the overall plastic market, which is forecast to reach 500 billion pounds (220 million tonnes) globally by 2010
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:36 AM
0 Comments
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Biofertilizers - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionBiofertilizers are ready-to-use live formulates of beneficial microorganisms which on application to plants and soil mobilize the availability of nutrients by their biological activity and help improve the soil health.
Market Need
Need for pesticides and fertilizers that are more eco-friendly and sustainable
Trends
• There has been a positive trend in biofertilizer use in countries such as India, where the production and use of biofertilizers have grown by over 15% annually for the past decade.
• It is expected that developed countries will soon follow suit countries such as India, and that there will be significant growth in the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides in USA and western Europe for the foreseeable future.
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:35 AM
1 Comments
Smart Grid - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionA smart grid delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology to save energy, reduce costs, and increase reliability and transparency. Such a modernized electricity network is being promoted by many governments as a way of addressing energy independence, global warming and emergency resilience issues.
Market Need
An electronic power distribution and control mechanism that provides more reliable electricity at lower costs to the producer and the consumer
Trends
• BCC Research says the U.S. market for Smart Grid “enabling technologies” was $17.3 billion in 2008. Its new report claims the sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3%, increasing to $39.4 billion in 2014.
• Morgan Stanley Research has issued a private report to its clients sizing the Smart Grid market at $20 billion in 2008, growing to $40 billion by 2013 and $100 billion by 2030.
• Frost & Sullivan foresees that the smart grid will play more and more important roles in the development of China's national economy in the future.
• US President Obama's stimulus plan has budgeted $11 billion for smart grids
• Cisco believes that the smart grid market will be worth about $20 billion by 2013.
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:33 AM
0 Comments
Net Metering - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
Definition"Net-metering" is a simplified method of metering the energy consumed and produced at a home or business that has its own renewable energy generator, such as a wind turbine. Under net metering, excess electricity produced by the renewable energy source will spin the existing home or business electricity meter backwards, effectively banking the electricity until it is needed by the customer. This provides the customer with full retail value for all the electricity produced.
Market Need
A mechanism by which homes and businesses that generate excess renewable energy can monetize their excess production
Trends
• The total number of customers in net metering programs increased by 45% to 48,820 in 2007 in the US. California, already the largest source of net metering customers with 72 percent of the national total, had the largest increase of 8,779 customers, while New Jersey increased by 1,223 customers.
• California and New Jersey’s success in 2007 was due in some measure to their support of solar energy development, which included the promotion of favorable rebate programs and other incentives.
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:32 AM
0 Comments
Green Building Materials - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionGreen building materials refer to building materials that come from renewable sources such as plants and animals.
Market Need
Need for more sustainable buildings and homes
Trends
• NextGen Research estimates the global green building materials market will grow about 5% per year to reach $571 billion by 2013, up from about $455 billion in 2008. The report says that the worldwide market for green building materials has continued to grow despite the economic downturn.
• In 2008 the U.S. market for green building materials alone generated sales of almost $57 billion, according to a new study. The market is projected to expand 7.2% annually to over $80 billion in 2013, outpacing the growth of building construction expenditures over that period, according to the Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:31 AM
0 Comments
Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) - Opportuinities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionA compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also known as a compact fluorescent light or energy saving light, is a type of fluorescent lamp. Known for their energy efficiency, many CFLs are designed to replace incandescent lamps and can fit into most existing light fixtures used for incandescents.
Market Need
A lighting mechanism that is more energy efficient
Trends
• Wal-Mart has announced an ambitious campaign to sell 100 million compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) at its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club locations by the end of 2007. If achieved, this goal has the potential to save customers as much as $3 billion in electrical costs over the life of the CFLs.
• With nearly 20 percent of all home electric costs stemming from lighting alone, CFLs can have tremendous benefits.
• Sales of CFLs hit 290 million in United States in 2007 alone.
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:29 AM
0 Comments
Energy from Human Waste - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionHuman excrement can be turned into fuel that can be used for heating or generating electricity. The end-product, methane gas, is a principal component of the natural gas used to fuel furnaces, power plants, and other combustion-based generators.
Market Need
Need for a process that can clean up human waste in a cost-effective and eco-friendly way
Trends
• In 2000, about 2,305 MW of power was derived from biogas sources. This could mean anything from table scraps converted in an anaerobic digester to large landfill gas extraction projects. By 2007, use of biogas climbed to 5,621 MW, a growth of 144% in seven short years, which works out to a compounded annual growth rate of 13.6%
• With constantly improving technology, and a growing interest for using domestic energy, the use of waste-to-energy facilities is slated to grow another 173% in the next five years, as the industry adds another 9,699 MW worth of capacity. (2008)
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:28 AM
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Ocean Thermal Technology - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionOcean thermal energy conversion (OTEC or OTE) is a method for generating electricity which uses the temperature difference that exists between deep and shallow waters to run a heat engine.
Market Need
A process that can utilize low cost unutilized sources of energy from oceans
.
Trends
• There are at least two distinct markets for OTEC: (i) industrialized nations and islands; and, (ii) smaller or less industrialized islands with modest needs for power and desalinated water.
• Small OTEC plants can be sized to produce from 1 MW to 10 MW of electricity, and at least 1700 m3 to 3500 m3 of desalinated water per day. Larger OTEC or hybrid cycle plants can be used in either market for producing electricity and water.
• The European Energy Association states that ‘the global theoretical potential of ocean energy has been estimated over 100.000 TWh/year’ (for reference, the world’s electricity consumption was around 16.000 TWh/year in 2008).
• For ocean thermal energy, the global technical resource exploitable with today’s technology is estimated to be in the order of 33,000 TWh/year.(2009)
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:27 AM
0 Comments
Green Shopping Bags - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
The Market Need: Billions of plastic shopping bags are thrown away each yearThe Mission: Replace disposable plastic shopping bags with renewable, reusable bags
Knowledge to Start: Materials, manufacturing
Consumers and governments are driving a rapidly growing movement away from disposable plastic bags to more eco-friendly alternatives. Reusable bags that don’t get thrown away probably are the greenest option for shopping bags. If you already own a store, selling bags with your logo on the side might be a savvy green business move, and giving them away might even pay off. With that bag, you buy increased brand recognition for your company, you associate your brand with being green, and you may create increased loyalty.
At first, people might worry about how they look carrying their own bags. Cool designer bags will help overcome this concern. One of the neat things about bags is that they are so simple and yet people are endlessly creative with them. The opportunity is to create not just bags, but green fashion statements.
Opportunities for green shopping bags include
• Producing low-cost compostable shopping bags
• Creating reusable logo bags for stores to give away
• Designing novel bags for shopping
• Developing fold-up bags that are easy to take with you
• Producing homemade bags from recycled material
posted by Ecacofonix at
6:25 AM
0 Comments
Energy Efficient Windows - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionWindows that provides energy efficiency and comfort levels in the home by incorporating concepts such as low-E coatings, inert gas fills, and better edge spacers and frames.
Market Need
Need for buildings and homes that have higher energy efficiencies than the current ones.
Trends
• In the US, the Chicago government is offering 30% federal tax credit of up to $1500 for people installing energy efficient windows by December 31, 2010 - May 2009
• Many large companies like Hudson (window company), BASF (Chemical company), Owens Corning (construction) have already entered the energy efficient windows market
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:51 AM
0 Comments
Monday, September 7, 2009
Electric Trucks - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionTrucks propelled by a motor powered by electrical energy from rechargeable batteries or other source onboard the vehicle.
Market Need
Need for heavy commercial vehicles that are more energy efficient and less polluting than current vehicles.
Trends
• Ford and Modec are some of the prominent companies targeting the US market with electric trucks. In addition, Electric Vehicles International (EVI) also has unveiled it's "Road Ready" commercial transport electric vehicle for the U.S. market.
• FedEx, along with Eaton Corp. in the USA and Iveco in Europe, has begun deploying a small fleet of Hybrid diesel electric delivery trucks. As of October 2007, Fedex operates more than 100 diesel electric hybrids in North America, Asia and Europe.
• Toyota's Hino Truck subsidiary plans to offer an original-production heavy-duty hybrid truck chassis both in North America and Japan.
• In 2009, Modec will produce about 300 of its 6-ton trucks powered by lithium-ion batteries, and in 2010, the Coventry, U.K.-based truck maker expects orders to at least double that number
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:50 AM
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Electric Scooter - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionElectric scooters are scooters that use electricity and electric motors (instead of gasoline) to attain locomotion.
Market Need
Need for personal transportation vehicles that are more energy efficient and less polluting than currently used vehicles.
Trends
• In India alone, it is estimated that 1.2 lakh e-scooters were sold in 2008.
• Taiwan announced it will subsidise the purchase of electric scooters starting in November 2009, in a bid to boost domestic production and sales of the eco-friendly transport vehicle. Taiwan expects to subsidise 20,000 vehicles by November 2010, rising to 160,000 vehicles by 2012.
• Battery manufacturers have begun working on products tailor-made for the nascent electric scooter segment. There is significant interest in developing batteries for electric two-wheelers, as this sector is expected to take off in a few years in many countries worldwide
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:50 AM
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Eco friendly Computing - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
Eco-friendly computing or green computing is the environmentally responsible use of computers and related resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste).Market Need
Computer infrastructure and its operations need to be more environment-friendly and sustainable than they are at present.
Trends
More than 25,000 organizations worldwide have deployed computing to slash their computing costs and electricity consumption.
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:49 AM
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Biobatteries - Biobattery Opportunities, Trends, Challenges
DefinitionA bio battery is an electricity generation device that uses energy sources such as carbohydrates contained in sugar, using enzymes as its catalyst, by applying power generation principles found in living organisms.
Market Need
An energy storage mechanism that is built with renewable materials
Trends
• These are early days for biobattery research but some large companies worldwide are serious about this concept and are investing significantly in it.
• Sony, one of the world's largest battery makers, has succeeded in creating a bio-battery. The bio cell, which measures 39 cubic millimeters, delivers 50mW (milliWatts) - a world record for such a cell, according to the company. (Sep 2007)
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:48 AM
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Osmotic Energy - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionOsmotic power or salinity gradient power is the energy derived from the difference in the salt concentration between seawater and river water.
Market Need
A process that enables utilization of unused energy sources from rives and oceans
Trends
• Some countries are estimated to have significant osmotic energy potential. For instance, in Norway, the osmotic energy technical potential is estimated up to 12 TWh/year, equivalent to 10 % of current power consumption in the country.
• In Europe, similar potential is estimated at 200 TWh/ year while the global potential is in the order of 2000 TWh/year.
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:47 AM
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Algae Fuels - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionAlgae fuel refers to an alternative fuel derived from algae, the simplest and most abundant form of plant life.
Market Need
Need for biofuel feedstock that does not affect the food chain, and gives high oil yields
Trends
• Globally, over 70 companies have made significant investments in the algae fuel industry
• ExxonMobil, the world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, has invested $600 million in an algae biofuel project.
• Companies like Sapphire Energy, Origin Oil have made significant investments in algae fuel.
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:44 AM
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Micro Generation Wind Turbines - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionMicrogeneration is defined as zero or low carbon energy generation on a smaller scale. It is usually defined as up to 50kW of electricity generation. Microgeneration technologies include small wind turbines, micro-hydro, solar power, fuel cells, micro-combined heat and power, and ground and air source heat pumps. Small wind electric systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems.
Market Need
Wind energy equipment that can be used to generate electricity in a distributed manner, on small scales.
Trends
Some micro-wind trends in key markets such as the US and UK show the growth potential for this technology.
In U.K (2007)
• Over 6,500 small wind turbines have been deployed in the U.K. since 2005, with over 3,500 of these deployed in 2007 alone.
• Approximately 25% of small turbines deployed in 2007 were for building-mounted applications. This share is expected to increase strongly over the next two years.
In US (2007)
• The U.S. small wind turbine market continues to grow at an estimated rate of 14-25% annually. Grid-connected, residential-scale systems 1-10kW in capacity constitute the fastest growing market segment.
• At least 49 U.S. companies manufacture, or plan to manufacture, small wind turbines and approximately 25 U.S. manufacturers have begun sales. At least 84 non-U.S. companies manufacture small wind turbines.
• The market remains predominantly homes, farms, ranches, small businesses, industry/factories, public and private facilities, and schools. Small wind systems continue to be sold in all 50 states, and U.S. manufacturers export to over 120 countries.
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:43 AM
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Airborne Wind Farms - Opportunities, Trends and Challenges
DefinitionAirborne wind farm is a design concept for a wind turbine that is supported in the air without a tower. A tether would be used to transmit energy to the ground, either mechanically or through electrical conductors. These systems would have the advantage of tapping an almost constant wind and doing so without a set of slip rings or yaw mechanism, without the expense of tower construction.
Market Need
Wind energy equipment that can provide electricity more reliably and efficiently than current wind farm designs
Trends
• Sky Windpower (www.skywindpower.com) estimates that their airborne technology will be capable of producing electricity for $0.02 per KWh, significantly lower than the current price of non-subsidized electricity.
• Globally, the long-term technical potential of wind energy is believed to be more than current total global energy production. Tapping this potential however could require large amounts of land to be used for wind turbines, particularly in areas of higher wind resources. Along with offshore wind resources, airborne farms could exploit wind energy potential substantially better than current wind farm designs.
posted by Ecacofonix at
8:42 AM
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